Adobe Gallery Blog
Santa Clara Black-on-black mid-20th-century Plate by Margaret Tafoya - C3637A
This appears to be an early item of pottery by Margaret Tafoya, perhaps circa 1950s or so. The design is unlike that used by her on later pottery. It has been stated that the stepped elements in the center and on the edge represent the mountains and the parallel lines in the center represent rain. The plate is signed Margaret Tafoya Santa Clara.
Starting sometime in the early 1950s, Margaret made smaller bowls, jars, plates, candlesticks and canteens for sale to tourists visiting the pueblo as well as to take to Royal Gorge for the summer. She and her family spent their summers-from Memorial Day to Labor Day-at Royal Gorge near Canon City, Colorado, selling pottery and entertaining the tourists with dances and permitting them to photograph the family members. She had made enough pottery before going to Royal Gorge to take with her to sell. She did not make pottery on site. Perhaps this plate is one that made the trip to Royal Gorge.